Violence broke out on Saturday during the inauguration of a transition committee of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna, following an attack by suspected political thugs.
Eyewitnesses reported that the hoodlums stormed the venue of the event, unleashing chaos by attacking participants and vandalising property. Several people sustained injuries in the attack, while a number of vehicles were destroyed.
Despite the unrest, the inauguration of the ADC transition committee went ahead under tense conditions, as party members insisted on completing the process.
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Attendees accused the police of negligence and complicity, alleging that officers present failed to intervene during the violence.
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, described the incident as “a dangerous descent into lawlessness,” warning that the growing culture of thuggery in Kaduna politics could escalate into greater instability.
“If the authorities don’t end the introduction of thuggery into Kaduna politics, God help us. Nobody has a monopoly on violence or thugs. We will take decisive steps to ensure this does not repeat itself,” El-Rufai said.
He further vowed to escalate the matter to the Police Service Commission, accusing the security agencies of breaching their constitutional duty.
ADC national vice-chairman (North-West), Jafaru Sani, also condemned the attack, declaring that the party would not be intimidated by violence. “We will never be intimidated or forced to retreat. We will continue to pursue our political activities with all the energy and commitment we have,” he said.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) distanced itself from the incident. The party’s Kaduna secretary, Yahaya Baba-Pate, denied any involvement of the ruling party in the attack.
“The ADC and other opposition groups are free to carry out their activities without harassment,” Baba-Pate stated.
